By Stephanie Irvine
Manhattan Fire Protection District completed renovations at its Peotone Fire Station, Station 83. Instead of meeting in Manhattan for its monthly meeting, the board of trustees met at the Peotone station and took a tour of the recently completed building to see the updates after the meeting adjourned.
The fire station had undergone an extensive remodel that included upgraded HVAC, a new sprinkler system, layout changes to accommodate updated bunks, updates to the kitchen, and new finishes and paint throughout. New walls were erected to provide new spaces for meetings, downtime while on shift, and a better flow that allows faster access to the ambulance and fire trucks when a call is received.
The MFPD will hold an open house on Friday, October 25, at the newly remodeled Peotone Fire Station on Joliet Road so residents can see the updates to the station and meet their fire personnel. The event is planned to precede the high school football game, so families can stop by the station before heading to the game.
Additionally, MFPD is moving forward with plans for its new fire station in Manhattan. The village’s board of trustees recently approved the water and sewer needed for construction and awarded the bid to Trine Construction. Chief Steve Malone advised that sewer and water construction is anticipated to begin in the next couple of weeks.
“[The sewer and water cost is] just under $500,000 and, if you remember, we got the $500,000 ARPA grant. So that grant will actually cover that expense,” Malone explained.
In the chief’s report, Malone noted the layout of the new fire station is nearly finalized. Due to increases in costs, Malone anticipates the project’s total cost exceeding the $7.5 million they originally budgeted. Malone said he spoke with District Accountant James Howard regarding the additional expenses and increase in cost so they can plan accordingly.
As a point of reference, Malone explained the Wilmington Fire Department recently started construction on a new station, albeit at a slightly larger size, and its cost was $8.5 million. Malone and the other chiefs will meet to review their vision for the new station, prioritize capital projects, and work on the budget.
At the same meeting, District Accountant James Howard provided his standard monthly report, noting the district has received 58 perecent of property taxes and is in good financial standing. The district continues to work on completing its financial audits and is making progress toward completion.
In other news, the fire district is meeting with both school districts within the fire protection district to review school safety protocols, especially as nationwide school safety threats have been ongoing. Their goal is to have a standard response in place.
Deputy Chief Dave Piper reported the district continues to work with Laraway Communications Center, and this past month’s total 90th percentile response time from “hello to hello,” representing the time the dispatcher answers the call to when the responding personnel arrives at the call, was 10 minutes and 52 seconds.
Battalion Chief Bruce Boyle advised that, after a meeting with the Village of Manhattan last week, he is working with them to promote fire prevention and develop a presence in the community.
“The conversation was very productive,” Boyle said of the meeting.
Boyle also reported work with the Village of Peotone is progressing well. He reports the Holiday Inn Express is moving forward with sprinkler piping and standpipes in the end hallways. Also in the Batallion Chief’s report was his progress in the fleet replacement program. Boyle noted he has been in contact with the suppliers for apparatus and ambulances, noting that it takes about two years to purchase an ambulance; fire apparatus would take three-to-four years.
Malone also reported the Will County Fair went well, with 85 total incidents from August 21 through 25, only 18 of which took place at the fair. They had 20 first aid contacts and two reports of lost children, but they were quickly reunited with their families.
On October 17, the MFPD will hold a swearing-in ceremony for 11 new members to officially join the fire district after completing their probationary period.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.
